JFK Remembered: X-100 Under Construction

As originally built, the 1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine had three different roof options. A removable steel section provided privacy, clear plastic sections provided weather protection, and a completely open top gave the president maximum visibility. The plastic panels fit neatly into the trunk and were available whenever needed. None of the removable tops was armored.

The Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, transformed a stock 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible into the presidential limousine. The firm stretched the car by 3-1/2 feet, added steps for Secret Service agents, and installed a siren, flashing lights, and other special accessories. The customization took approximately six months and the car arrived at the White House in June 1961.

The Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, transformed a stock 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible into the presidential limousine. Among the special modifications was a removable clear roof consisting of multiple plastic panels. Customizers designed the roof panels to stack neatly into the limousine's trunk where they were available whenever needed. The panels required careful, precision work.

As originally built, the 1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine had three different roof options. A removable steel section provided privacy, clear plastic sections provided weather protection, and a completely open top gave the president maximum visibility. The plastic panels fit neatly into the trunk and were available whenever needed. None of the removable tops was armored.

The Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, transformed a stock 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible into the presidential limousine. The modified car's interior included a blue mouton rug; two dark blue broadcloth lap robes, embroidered with the presidential seal, that tucked into pockets in the doors; and two folding jump seats for additional passengers.

The Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, transformed a stock 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible into the presidential limousine. The modified car's interior included a blue mouton rug; two dark blue broadcloth lap robes, embroidered with the presidential seal, that tucked into pockets in the doors; and two folding jump seats for additional passengers.

The Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, transformed a stock 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible into the presidential limousine. The firm stretched the car by 3-1/2 feet, added steps for Secret Service agents, and installed a siren, flashing lights, and other special accessories. The customization took approximately six months and the car arrived at the White House in June 1961.

The Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, transformed a stock 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible into the presidential limousine. Among the special modifications was a removable clear roof consisting of multiple plastic panels. Customizers designed the roof panels to stack neatly into the limousine's trunk where they were available whenever needed. The panels required careful, precision work.

The Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, transformed a stock 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible into the presidential limousine. Among the special modifications was a hydraulic lift installed on the rear seat. At the touch of a button, the president could raise the seat 10-1/2 inches to make himself and his passengers more visible to crowds watching the limousine pass.

The Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, transformed a stock 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible into the presidential limousine. The firm stretched the car by 3-1/2 feet, added steps for Secret Service agents, and installed a siren, flashing lights, and other special accessories. The customization took approximately six months and the car arrived at the White House in June 1961.

The Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, transformed a stock 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible into the presidential limousine. The firm stretched the car by 3-1/2 feet, added steps for Secret Service agents, and installed a siren, flashing lights, and other special accessories. The customization took approximately six months and the car arrived at the White House in June 1961.

The Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, transformed a stock 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible into the presidential limousine. The firm stretched the car by 3-1/2 feet, added steps for Secret Service agents, and installed a siren, flashing lights, and other special accessories. The customization took approximately six months and the car arrived at the White House in June 1961.

The Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, transformed a stock 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible into the presidential limousine. Among the special modifications was a hydraulic lift installed on the rear seat. At the touch of a button, the president could raise the seat 10-1/2 inches to make himself and his passengers more visible to crowds watching the limousine pass.

The Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, transformed a stock 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible into the presidential limousine. Among the special modifications was a hydraulic lift installed on the rear seat. At the touch of a button, the president could raise the seat 10-1/2 inches to make himself and his passengers more visible to crowds watching the limousine pass.

The Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, transformed a stock 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible into the presidential limousine. The firm stretched the car by 3-1/2 feet, added steps for Secret Service agents, and installed a siren, flashing lights, and other special accessories. The customization took approximately six months and the car arrived at the White House in June 1961.

As originally built, the 1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine had three different roof options. A removable steel section provided privacy, clear plastic sections provided weather protection, and a completely open top gave the president maximum visibility. The plastic panels fit neatly into the trunk and were available whenever needed. None of the removable tops was armored.

As originally built, the 1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine had three different roof options. A removable steel section provided privacy, clear plastic sections provided weather protection, and a completely open top gave the president maximum visibility. The plastic panels fit neatly into the trunk and were available whenever needed. None of the removable tops was armored.

As originally built, the 1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine had three different roof options. A removable steel section provided privacy, clear plastic sections provided weather protection, and a completely open top gave the president maximum visibility. The plastic panels fit neatly into the trunk and were available whenever needed. None of the removable tops was armored.

As originally built, the 1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine had three different roof options. A removable steel section provided privacy, clear plastic sections provided weather protection, and a completely open top gave the president maximum visibility. The plastic panels fit neatly into the trunk and were available whenever needed. None of the removable tops was armored.

As originally built, the 1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine had three different roof options. A removable steel section provided privacy, clear plastic sections provided weather protection, and a completely open top gave the president maximum visibility. The plastic panels fit neatly into the trunk and were available whenever needed. None of the removable tops was armored.

As originally built, the 1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine had three different roof options. A removable steel section provided privacy, clear plastic sections provided weather protection, and a completely open top gave the president maximum visibility. The plastic panels fit neatly into the trunk and were available whenever needed. None of the removable tops was armored.

As originally built, the 1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine had three different roof options. A removable steel section provided privacy, clear plastic sections provided weather protection, and a completely open top gave the president maximum visibility. The plastic panels fit neatly into the trunk and were available whenever needed. None of the removable tops was armored.

The Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, transformed a stock 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible into the presidential limousine. The firm stretched the car by 3-1/2 feet, added steps for Secret Service agents, and installed a siren, flashing lights, and other special accessories. The customization took approximately six months and the car arrived at the White House in June 1961.

The Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, transformed a stock 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible into the presidential limousine. The firm stretched the car by 3-1/2 feet, added steps for Secret Service agents, and installed a siren, flashing lights, and other special accessories. The customization took approximately six months and the car arrived at the White House in June 1961.

Arguably, no presidential limousine is as widely recognized as the 1961 Lincoln Continental in which John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963. When originally constructed, the car had no armor. After the tragedy, it was thoroughly rebuilt with titanium plating, bullet-resistant glass, and a more powerful engine to handle the added weight. This film tells the limo's remarkable story.